WV KNIFE AND GUN CLUB

(08/27/2015)
MAN POINTS GUN AT POLICEMAN - A Fairmont man was arrested Sunday after he ran from police and then pointed a gun at an officer.

Antonio Cottingham, 28, was being watched due to suspicious activity, according to Fairmont Police. When an officer saw him driving, he followed Cottingham and observed him switch lanes without signaling, so he attempted to pull him over.

After being pulled over and giving police his name, Cottingham took off in the vehicle when the officer was returning to his car.

Cottingham pulled away from police, according to court documents, even though the officer was going over 70 miles per hour in a 25-mile per hour zone. When Cottingham got out of the car and ran away.

Another officer then saw Cottingham running when he decided to pursue him. Cottingham then ran in between buildings, and the officer got out of his vehicle to chase him.

According to police, when the officer began to catch up with him, Cottingham slowed down, turned toward the officer and began to pull a silver handgun from his waistband and aim it toward the officer.

The officer said he was still running full speed and did not have enough time to react and get his firearm, so he kept running and tackled Cottingham.

Police found a Smith & Wesson .44 magnum in Cottingham's possession.

Cottingham is charged with felon in possession of a firearm and fleeing.

Cottingham also had a felony delivery of cocaine charge in 2006.

Cottingham is currently in the North Central Regional Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.